As a huge fan of Orla Kiely design and adult colouring books you probably weren’t surprised to hear I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of the Orla Kiely colouring book. In this, her first colouring book, Orla includes a feature on her much-loved palette, explains how to add texture to the page and create new colours through layering. Pick up some crayons or felt-tips and create your own fabulous patterns and prints. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who loves colouring, fashion, design and illustration. The book really is a delight and I love looking at…
-
-
Instagram has become my favourite place to hang out these days. There is so much inspiration and I love discovering new people and brands to follow. Unfortunately it’s also bad for my bank balance! I use hashtags to find the kinds of things I like and keep finding new subscription boxes I like the look of! Fortunately the post comes whilst my husband is at work so he hasn’t uncovered my secret just yet… The latest subscription box to land was the Treat Box from Not Shabby Very Chic. It came in a large flat box, tied with twine and…
-
Happy Monday everyone. We had a lovely quiet weekend at home for once so I am feeling rested to face the week ahead. This post is my chance to reflect on the week gone by as the days race past. I get to work with some amazing brands and was so excited to receive an email from Cath Kidston, asking if I wanted to take part in their Mother’s Day campaign. They sent me a wonderful gift box containing everything I needed to make a Mother’s Day rosette. I enjoyed stitching a Mother’s Day rosette, take a look at my…
-
2016 is my year of putting myself first. I think it’s easy as a parent to spend so much time worrying about your family that you forget you matter too. Don’t worry, I’m not neglecting my children, just spending a little less time catching up on Facebook and investing more time in me and the things that make me happy. So far I’ve taken small steps. Every week I sing in a choir which I love. On a daily basis I try to spend less time on my laptop and more time reading, making and colouring (I love my adult…
-
Happy Monday everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend. I have one more day with my children before they head back to school tomorrow. It has been a busy week with them around, but loads of fun, and we’ve created some great memories. The weather has been a mixed bag but we enjoyed a trip to our local Lido so the children could take their bikes out. You can see how muddy it was but that didn’t stop them. A chance of clothes *might* have been required when we got home. Our little village finally has its own gastro…
-
Yay, we made it to half term! I’m writing my weekly post about the things that have made me happy before I get back to the important task of enjoying being with the kids. I stitched a cute little mini quilt inspired by love hearts. I totally meant to hand stitch some messages on each one but didn’t have time. I gave my children boxes of Love Hearts yesterday and was surprised by the modern sayings on them. I think I prefer the ones I grew up with. Last week I had the termly Parents’ Evening for both children. I’m lucky…
-
For once I am happy it’s Monday because now we can countdown to half term. Although this term is going quickly I can’t wait for a week off from the school run and after school clubs. My children need a break from school too and the chance to relax and be themselves again. So far February has been good to us. I started by stitching a new month in my gorgeous Year in Stitches calendar, surely the nicest way to mark the changing months. My son was invested into Beavers last week. He’s been going along for a few weeks…
-
I’m getting a bit bored of writing about another busy week but it’s true. I can’t believe it’s Monday again and a new month to boot. We have lots of exciting things planned for February so it should be a great month. Anyway, time for my weekly roundup – Monday Happy Things. This week I’ve been using the new Orla Kiely handbag I bought in Covent Garden last weekend. I fell in love with my Little Owl Quilted Reversible Tote as it features my favourite stem pattern in a lovely quilted design. I chose the red colour to add a…
-
Adult colouring books were definitely the big thing in 2015. I have a shelf of them myself and a lovely collection of colouring pens, which the children know they are not allowed to touch! It looks like the trend will be continuing this year and I’m excited to share three new books and a new art therapy series from Anastasia Catris, the creator of #ColourMeMindful. Misplacing your wallet, forgetting where you parked your car, or getting your friend’s birthday wrong: these are just some of the many common memory slips we all experience from time to time. And such cognitive…